2014 Christmas

Wow! Christmas was amazing! My whole family was here, including my parents, five siblings, and eleven grandkids. We managed to do something fun everyday they were here, despite fighting colds and a tummy bug.

We took turns cooking. This was my contribution. It's the first whole turkey I've ever cooked. I have to admit, it came out a little dry, but it was pretty tasty despite that.  I feel like a real homemaker now. --I have conquered a turkey!

We spent a lot of time at Nana's house.

One day, we made gingerbread houses. It has become a tradition. This year we had three teams:

girls

little kids, 

and boys.

They all came out really cute!

We also had a hot dog roast at a park. It was a little chilly, but still fun.

Traffic jam!

Another day, another park.
Michael, Hyrum, and Hunter here--boys just seem to have a natural instinct to climb things.

Sadie and Emma were pretty much inseparable.

Mmmmmm. Pizza at Double Dave's.

On Christmas Eve, we acted out the Nativity. We made "real" costumes this year and drew names for the different parts. Sadie was Mary, Michael and Ada were Wise Men. (Ada wanted to be Mary and threw a little fit when we told her Sadie got that part. Then, trying to placate her, we told her she could be a "wise woman." Still unhappy, she adamantly refused to take part. After much cajoling, she yelled out "I'm not going to be a woman I am going to be a wise Man!" --She knew the story, and it didn't include "wise women.") Joseph, in the back, was a camel. (Yes, it actually is a lion costume, but he didn't seem to care.) 

The night before Christmas . . . 

And Christmas morning!

Everyone got lots of fun stuff.

I made fleece pillows for each of the kids.

I think the most popular toy turned out to be a little water table for Joseph. Bath time got a whole lot more fun after that!

More presents and games at Nana's!

And, of course, a family photo. (Sadly, Matt and Joseph are missing because it was nap time.)

The day after Christmas, we had a family reunion in San Antonio with Matt's family. Almost all of his extended family made it, and it was great to see everyone.  We had a nice dinner and family pictures. Joseph missed his usual nap time, so by the time we got done with pictures, he was out-of-control cranky, so we missed the games that followed. Oh, well.

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